Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
43 Client Reviews
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Mark Nickolas Longwell
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About Mark
Biography
Mark Longwell is the founding attorney of Longwell Lawyers. After graduating from Michigan State University and The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, Mark worked at the State Attorney's Office. He quickly established himself as a successful prosecutor. In 1993, Mark Longwell founded the law firm that is now known as Longwell Lawyers. Mark has focused on handling criminal cases, including cases involving DUI, Theft, Fraud, Drug Possession, Drug Trafficking, Assault, Battery, Domestic Violence, Firearms, Sex Offenses, Prostitution, Homicide, Violations of Probation, and many other criminal matters, both at the State and Federal levels. As the firm has grown with more attorneys, additional areas of practice have been added, such as Divorce, Paternity, Alimony, Child Support, and Child Custody.
Mark Longwell is dedicated to his philosophy of getting the best possible result for his clients. He uses a trial-oriented strategy to maximize the opportunity to get the charge dismissed or win at trial.
Longwell Lawyers offers a free consultation, reasonable fees, and payment plans. Our attorneys and staff are multi-lingual and can serve clients in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Greek.
Longwell Lawyers. Attorneys who know how to help you.
Longwell Lawyers. Attorneys who know how to help you.
Longwell Lawyers. Attorneys who know how to help you.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
36 years | 5,000 cases
Family
50%
32 years | 1,500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2023 2020
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 34 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Mark online.
Mark Nickolas Longwell's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Punctuality
Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Not worth it
Mr. Longwell was over an hour late for my bond hearing. During the bond hearing he requested my arraignment be canceled and set for trial. He never showed up for my first VOP hearing. When I got ahold of him he was already back in his office. He told me that he was running late and called the judges ...
Mark Longwell
Replied last November 12, 2019This review is posted anonymously and does not match any of the facts and circumstances of any case that I have handled. As such, it is virtually impossible for me to respond to a review that appears to either be fictitious or misplaced. Regardless, I will do my best to address this review. Here are are a few things about your story on which I can generally comment: 1. Because of circumstances beyond a lawyer's control (such as other court proceedings), a lawyer may occasionally be late. Courts are understanding of such circumstances and do not punish a lawyer/client in such an event; 2. It is routine procedure for an arraignment to be canceled when a not guilty plea is entered. The primary purpose of an arraignment is to advise the defendant of the charge(s) and accept a plea of either not guilty (which is what should be entered in most circumstances) or guilty/no contest (which will lead directly to sentencing); 3. Generally, a Judicial Assistant (JA) is not in the courtroom. The JA is usually in the judge's office (chambers) - not in the courtroom. If your lawyer called the JA/judge's assistant (which is common practice if an attorney is running late), you would not have necessarily known about it. You may be confusing the JA with the court clerk (who serves a different role). The court clerk would not normally field such calls. As such, it is possible that the attorney was not misleading you - as you seem to imply/state; 4. It is not uncommon for the "state" (a prosecutor) to seem irritated with a defense attorney. That is the nature of the adversarial process in which your attorney may be aggressively advocating for your position. A good attorney can walk an appropriate line of being aggressive, yet professional; 5. Prosecutors are free to give, or not give, a reasonable offer. Sometimes they are bound by the law and do not have the discretion to vary from a sentencing requirement (such as when a defendant scores prison, has a mandatory minimum requirement, or is a violent felony offender of special concern...). If the prosecutor won't agree or if you don't qualify for the deal you are hoping to get, that may not be your lawyer's fault. It is not fair if you had unrealistic expectations about what you thought your deal should be, but also didn't want to go to trial. It is sometimes an either-or choice; 6. You seem to blame your attorney for your choice not to go to trial. The decision to either accept a plea or proceed to trial is solely your responsibility. If you had lost trust/faith in your attorney, you could have told the judge and asked for a different lawyer; 7. It sounds like your attorney came to court prepared to defend you, as you stated that he told you he was ready for trial. When you don't get/don't qualify for a good offer, a good trial attorney is one who is ready to use your powerful due process rights to seek an acquittal/dismissal at trial. A trial is your power to exercise - and a good attorney gives you that power; 8. It sounds like your attorney ultimately did a good job in that you admit, "As far as the plead out went, he advocated me well to the judge, for the judge granted me mercy." In other words, your lawyer did a good job advocating for you and as a result he got the judge to give you "mercy". 9. It is unfortunately too easy and common for people to get the benefit of good representation and then think they could have done it themselves for free. Please re-evaluate whether you are being fair in your assessment. In summary, it does not appear that I was your lawyer - according to the facts you have described. However, it sounds like you are perhaps misunderstanding the facts and circumstances leading up to your trial. It also sounds like you are being quite unfair in criticizing an attorney who, by your own admission, did a good job advocating for you and got you a good outcome. Please contact me directly, at 407-426-5757, with any further concerns.
Mark Nickolas Longwell's Lawyer Endorsements
"Working with Mark has been a truly enriching experience. His depth of legal knowledge is unparalleled, complemented by a keen attention to detail that ensures no aspect of a case is overlooked. What truly sets him apart is his skillful advocacy—whether navigating complex legal nuances or articulating persuasive arguments, Mark consistently demonstrates a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients."
"As a prosecutor, I worked on cases against Mark. While we were on opposite sides of the case, Mark was always professional towards me. I could see that his clients meant a great deal to him and he worked very hard for them."
"Mr. Longwell has the insight of a former prosecutor and the experience of a seasoned criminal defense veteran. He is passionate about his clients and cares deeply for them, ensuring that they are well-informed so that they can make the best decision possible whenever a tough call has to be made."
"Hardworking and determined. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Attorney Longwell. He is a terrific advocate for his clients and provides them with excellent representation."
"Mr. Longwell is simply an exceptional attorney who I would recommend to everyone and anyone. I am a former judge, former magistrate, former prosecutor, and an attorney with 24 years of experience. I still learn from his answers on Avvo on a daily basis and I am constantly impressed."
"Mr. Longwell is an excellent lawyer who zealously advocates for his client. Having worked against him while I was at the State Attorney's Office and now alongside Mr. Longwell as a member of the legal community, I can tell you first hand that Mr. Longwell is well prepared and fearless in the courtroom."
"I have known Mark for about twenty years in Central Florida. He is an excellent trial attorney, and he is known for clever strategies to win at trial. Mark is a fearless advocate for his clients, a truly outstanding lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Without question, Mark is one of the best attorneys in the Central Florida area. Always courteous, professional, knowledgeable, and zealous. He is an asset to the community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable in all areas of criminal defense. Compassionate and attentive to his clients and employees. Overall great person and great attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mark is a well respected lawyer in the Central Florida area. He is extremely knowledgeable in many areas of law and represents his clients well."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I sincerely endorse this lawyer. Mr. Longwell writes with clarity. His responses to questions posed by members of the Avvo legal community are excellent."
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Matthew Olszewski
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Peggy Raddatz
Divorce and separation lawyer
Ophelia Bernal-Mora
Family lawyer
Jedediah Main
Litigation lawyer
Eric Barker
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Adam Pollack
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Jennifer Englert
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Jeffrey Feulner
Divorce and separation lawyer
David Novack
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Amir Ladan
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Experience
Honors
2025
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
A+ accredited business, Better Business Bureau
2016
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2007
Outstanding Pro Bono Service, Orange County Bar Association
Work Experience
1993 - Present
Founding Attorney, Longwell Lawyers
1990 - 1993
Assistant State Attorney, Office Of The State Attorney, 9th Judicial Circuit
Associations
1994 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1994 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1994 - Present
Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1993 - Present
Orange County Bar Association
1993 - Present
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
1992 - Present
American Bar Association
1991 - Present
Florida Bar
Sample of Legal Cases
Sexual Battery, Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition, Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Violation of No Contact Order Case
No Convictions
Sexual Battery, Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition, Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Violation of No Contact Order Case
No Convictions
Felony Battery and Witness Intimidation
Charge dropped/case concluded
DUI, Felony Possession of controlled substances, and Careless Driving
Dismissed
Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Felony Violation of Probation
Case Dropped
Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Not guilty
DUI arrest - Not convicted
DUI charge dropped
Time Share Fraud - all charges dropped
State dropped all charges
Drug Trafficking Charges with 15 year minimum mandatory
All charges dropped
Fleeing Police, DUI, and other charges
Fleeing, DUI dropped and driver's license restored
Police Found Various Drugs and Paraphernalia
All charges dropped
Education
1990
Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
Michigan State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2024
Florida Bar Leadership Academy Orlando
"Nonverbal Communication:What You May Be Conveying Without Even Knowing It"
2020
Florida Bar, Continuing Legal Education Speaker
"What To Do When You Get "The Call""
Publications
2012
LongwellLawyers.com
How Florida's Stand Your Ground Law Works
2012
LongwellLawyers.com
Is your Right to be Presumed Innocent Under Attack?
2009
La Prensa Newspaper
Tips on How to Hire a Lawyer
2008
La Prensa Newspaper
What happens When the Police Go Too Far?
Languages
English
Greek
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Mark earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is my investigator obligated to question a witness, we just discovered, before a trial or plea takes place?
25 Mar 2024
Q&A
What happens after 15 days and no discovery is produced by state attorney's office?
29 Mar 2019
Q&A
Will I have to complete after care treatment?
05 Mar 2019
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Tips on How to Hire a Lawyer
20 Jun 2012
Legal Guide
DUI and Administrative Suspensions
20 Jun 2012
Legal Guide
How Florida's Stand Your Ground Law Works
20 Jun 2012